Shelby's 5K Fun Run/Walk paying it forward

Shelby Maloy passed away several years ago but her memory will live on with "Princess Shelby's Memorial 5K Fun Run/Walk" set for 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14. The event is being spearheaded by her mother, Trish Maloy, who wants to both honor her daughter as well as assist another child through the Make a Wish program.

Shelby Maloy passed away several years ago but her memory will live on with "Princess Shelby's Memorial 5K Fun Run/Walk" set for 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14. The event is being spearheaded by her mother, Trish Maloy, who wants to both honor her daughter as well as assist another child through the Make a Wish program.

"Shelby had Lissencephaly, which is smooth brain syndrome," said Trish. "In 2001, she was granted a wish through Make A Wish and we went to Disney World. Her wish was so awesome, I felt like other kids should get to experience that, too."

Shelby attended Brownsville Attendance Center. She was recommended for a wish and was granted one by the closest branch of Make A Wish, which at the time was in St. Louis, Mo. Today, the Illinois branch of the organization in Chicago handles requests and suggestions for wishes from this area. Since 1985, Make A Wish Illinois has granted more than 11,000 wishes to children across the state. The organization estimates 1,200 children in Illinois are newly diagnosed each year with a life-threatening medical condition.

Shelby passed away due to complications of her condition at the age of 20. The Maloy family of Carmi wanted to do something to "pay it forward" so all proceeds from the 5K event will go to Make a Wish to aid in granting another child's wish, just as Shelby's was granted.

"Generally, they need $2,000 to grant a wish, depending on what the request is," said Trish. "We would love to fulfill a request."

Entry into the event is $25 per person, which includes a free t-shirt. The entry fee for children participating under the age of 12 is $10 and this also includes a t-shirt. Participants under the age of six are free but will not receive a t-shirt. Entry fees accepted after the Sept. 1 deadline will be $30 and registration will be available the day of the event at 8 a.m.

The 5K run/walk will begin at the first shelter on top of the hill at Burrell Woods. Participants should turn left upon entering the facility to access this area.

In addition to the fun run/walk, the event will include hamburgers, hot dogs, barbeque, chips and a drink following the run. The organizers will also include a bake sale the day of the run/walk to assist in raising funds for the cause.

Advance registration for Princess Shelby's Memorial 5K Fun Run/Walk is now available by contacting Trish at 384-8252. More information about the event is also available on Facebook at Shelbys5krun.